Cork Snake from Italy

Italy is famous for its
wine. This Italian toy speaks volumes about the culture, because it is made
entirely of wine corks! Many of the parents in Italy either grow grapes to make
wine or work at a winery where the grapes are turned into wine.

Suggested Age for Child:
This toy is suitable for children 10 and above to make, with adult supervision.

Materials Needed:

1. Wine corks. The more you
have, the longer your snake will be. 2. Paper clips cut across the middle. You’ll
have to use wire snips to cut these, so leave this job for an adult. 3. Two thumbtacks,
straight pins, or small nails. 4. A small piece of red ribbon. 5. Paint, glitter,
and whatever else you want to decorate your slithery snake.

Directions:

1. Take the half paper clip and push the two ends into the center of one of the
ends of the cork, leaving the rounded top sticking out. It’s easier to do if you
get an adult to grasp the paper clip with a pair of pliers and push it into the
cork.
2. Take another half paper clip and link it into the first one. Then, push this
paper clip into another wine cork. The two corks should be joined together by
the two paper clips at this point.
3. Do this as many times as you want, each time making the snake a little longer.
But remember, if you make your snake too long, the paper clips probably won’t
hold together too well.
4. Take the two push pins and put them on the “head” of the snake. Position them
so that they look like the snake’s eyes.
5. Have an adult make a slit in the front of the snake’s head. This will be your
snake’s mouth. Push the piece of red ribbon into the slit and glue it into place.
This is your snake’s red hissing tongue.
6. Now, paint your Cork Snake any color you like. The brighter the better!

How to Play:
Pull the toy along the floor and see how it moves just a snake. Don’t worry,
though – it can’t bite.

If you have any additional
information abut this toy or have a toy you've made or seen made please contact
us! info@worldplay.org We'd love
to hear from you.